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Tags: Airports / T5 at JFK / T2 at RDU / ORD / SEA / LAS / IAD / → All Tags
Why Are Passengers Footing The Bill For All These Shiny, New Terminals?
Chicago O'Hare, Washington Dulles and Seattle-Tacoma are all paving new runways. The airport in Detroit just opened a new terminal, as did JetBlue, of course, with its long-awaited T5 at JFK (pictured). Since airlines seem to perpetually do the exact opposite of what’s good for them, we have to wonder whether pouring money into cushier digs on the ground really improves the process of flying for those who matter: Us.
Since congestion seems to be easing on its own, what with the increasing popularity of the delusional "staycation," it seems a bit frivolous for struggling airlines to continually unveil glistening, futuristic new terminals every few months. Passengers end up paying for these sweeping structures filled with interlocking corrugated iron and panoramic views of the tarmac. Whereas landing fees were less than $5 per ticket a few years ago, now they’re up to about $8. At the airport in St. Louis, with one of the most underused terminals anywhere, passengers end up paying an extra $13.
Executives at Southwest Airlines, which slowed its terminal expansions in the late 1990s, are particularly critical of the trend. Bob Montgomery, Southwest's VP of Properties, argued that the third terminal planned for McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas will basically screw over struggling consumers with unnecessary fees. The projects are "spending other people's money," added the company’s CEO, Gary Kelly. You tell ‘em, Gary.
Related Stories:
· US Airports Grow Apace, but the Timing Seems Off [IHT]
· New Terminals Travel: A Sneak Peak at T2 at RDU [Jaunted]
· New Detroit Terminal React-O-Matic [Jaunted]
[Photo: interpolactic]
Tags: JetBlue / Airfare Sales / Airfare Deals / IAD / → All Tags
Marketing Stunt Travel: JetBlue's New Dulles Sale
JetBlue continues to lead the pack in original ways to convince recession-era passengers to spend their last couple dollars on a flight. First it was eBay ticket auctions; now it's a ticket sale-slash-happy hour for DC-area travelers.
The catch--and it's a big one--is that you have to trek out to Northern Virginia for an afternoon to see what fares are being offered. And of course you have to fly from Dulles. But if you're in desperate need of a last-minute fall Florida trip, it might be worth the time.
Tags: Architecture / Architecture Travel / Eero Saarinen / Eero-Saarinen-Travel-Map / IAD / → All Tags
Eero Saarinen Travel: Leaving on a Jet Plane
If you've been paying attention, then you would know that our architect of the week, Eero Saarinen, designed the TWA terminal at JFK that's soon to become JetBlue's flagship hub. But did you know that Saarinen also designed the main terminal at Washington Dulles International Airport?
He did! And we like it, even if some people don't. Designed by Saarinen in 1958 and dedicated by President Kennedy in 1962, the airport was the first to be specifically created for the jet age. In fact, some design elements such as extended runways were created in hopes of a future for IAD as a spaceport. Although that hasn't happened yet, the design supposedly inspired the construction of the airport in Taipei.
Tags: Celeb Travel / Vanessa Hudgens / Airport Photo Shoots / IAD / → All Tags
Vanessa Hudgens Doesn't Need Your SmarteCarte
If you don't know who Vanessa Hudgens is, congratulations! You're probably old enough to drive. But the "High School Musical" and "High School Musical 2" star is famous with teens and tweens everywhere. Too bad none of them were around yesterday as she flew out of Washington Dulles Airport, carrying everything and the kitchen sink (including her teddy bear).
If you missed her at the airport, you can catch Hudgens on the "High School Musical 2" DVD out today or performing in TNT's "Christmas in Washington" special alongside "American Idol" runner-up Katharine McPhee and Ne-Yo.
Related Stories:
· Vanessa Hudgens: Bye-Bye Washington! [Just Jared]
· Airport Photo Shoot: The Ashley Tisdale Collection Debuts at LAX [Jaunted]
· Celeb Travel coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: Just Jared]
